Planned Giving for the Diocese and Archdiocese

Believe it or not, you have always had the potential for a powerful, endowment-building planned giving program.

In fact, Harvard would love what your church has: a captive audience. But it’s an audience that’s been neglected on matters of Planned and Legacy Gifts. You meet with them every Sunday, but leave valuable opportunities untapped. Meanwhile, your parishioners follow “the story of Bob”: They’re content to pass the plate and faithfully toss in a few dollars, but rarely go beyond annual Sunday giving. 

Why the disconnect? Simply put, parish officials often lack the energy to pursue planned and major gifts. Many are hesitant because they’re unfamiliar with the territory — after all, most professional fundraisers have extensive training. Some parish officials even worry that working with the Diocese or Archdiocese would result in a large share of these gifts leaving the parish. But the fact is, the shepherding governance and stewardship of the Diocese/Archdiocese would result in even more realized gifts — and a rising tide lifts all boats.